Exploring Consciousness from the Inside

The author reflects on a lifelong exploration of consciousness through Buddhist-inspired meditation and daily life. Consciousness is described as dependent on sensory input and lacking inherent self-existence, drawing on early Buddhist scripture. The author's personal journey includes years in India, teaching retreats, peace work, and family life, aiming for a liberated awareness that merges with totality rather than seeking ecstatic experiences. The piece is a personal reflection, not an empirical study, presenting the author's perspective on how such awareness emerges in everyday activities.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Exploring Consciousness from the InsideStephen FulderConsciousness arises dependent on sense data and stimulation of the senses.Therefore it is dependent and has no self-existence.-Anguttara Nikaya 41:7 (Bodhi, 2012) Personal ReflectionsI have been interested in spiritual practice and inner exploration for most of my life.I can remember as a child, realizing that, like Mowgli in The Jungle Book, I am a par tic u lar being because of conditioning, and so all real ity can only be assumed and co-created.This led to years in India and a fascination with the huge possibilities available in Buddhist inspired practices, both meditative and in relation to a wise and wholesome, caring life.Over the years I have been exploring what a liberated awareness is like and what are its sources and how it emerges in daily life experience, whether teaching retreats (up to now hundreds of retreats!) in peace work with Palestinians and Israelis, within the family and grandfathering, or in digging the vegetable garden.For me it has not been an ecstatic roller-coaster, but rather a continuous and steady sense of merging with the totality and letting the universe see itself through my eyes.